Creative Music Research in Special Collections: Creative Music Research Examples and Methodologies

Here are a few possible project directions for using archives and primary sources. This is not an exhaustive list – the possibilities are endless!

Conceptual inspiration

Is there a unique item or story that you want to expand upon? Perhaps there is a diary entry, a letter or an oral history that speaks to you.

Understanding Repertoire and Playing Styles

Primary sources offer unique insight into historical repertoire and playing styles. This could come in the form of a sound recording or a score. How does the playing style and/or repertoire differ from that of contemporary players?

Improvisation and Composition

Any type of primary source can serve as an inspiration for improvisation or composition. It could be a recording, a photograph, a silent film – what ways can different medias inspire improvisation and composition?

Sampling and Production

What public domain recordings are available in the archive? How can sampling an oral history or a music recording add to the production?

Program and Album notes

Primary sources can also be helpful when writing program or album notes. What historical perspectives or reflections of artists or communities can be represented in program and album notes?

Installations and Exhibits

Multi-media installations can be a compelling way to combine primary source media with other creative content.